Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

Good Saturday morning, here on the first day of November. It's hard to believe there are only two months left in 2025. Despite the Democrat initiated government shutdown, a lot has still happened. So, grab a cup of coffee with me this morning as we take a look back at October.

Democrat-Initiated Government Shutdown Continues

As of this morning, the federal government has been shutdown for 32 days. Let’s be clear: this shutdown continues because Senate Democrats refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government. They’ve moved the goalposts several times, demanding over a trillion dollars in new spending instead.

Back in mid-September, the House did its job. We passed the CR that would have kept all government services up and running for two months while we negotiated yearlong spending. This would have been a good time for Democrats to press their case for Obamacare subsidies. 

And I’m willing to have discussions about extending the Obamacare subsidies, but the government must be reopened first. And I must point out these subsidies were put in place five years ago when Democrats controlled Congress—and they’re the ones who set them to expire now. They said at the time, they would just be temporary to get us through Covid. 

We should not use government workers—like our air traffic controllers and military members,—as hostages in a political standoff. I’m ready to have discussions, but I will not support holding essential government services hostage just to force through more reckless spending and taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants. 

Every day this shutdown drags on, American families suffer and our economy suffers. It’s time for Senate Democrats to stop playing politics and join us in reopening the government.  

Tombigbee Electric Cooperative Broadband Event

It was great to be at Tombigbee Electric Cooperative in Hamilton to celebrate an incredible milestone, 100,000 residents are now connected to Freedom Fiber broadband. 

When we established the ReConnect Program in 2018—a federal initiative I helped create as Chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee—our mission was to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to rural America. The program was designed to connect families, students, and small businesses that had long been left behind by the digital divide.

Our state has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of households without access to high-speed internet. Back in 2018, roughly 22% of Alabamians lacked broadband access; today that number is down to just 6%. To be clear, we are not stopping now. We are continuing to work to get that 6% down to zero.

$249,750 ARC Grant for Sewer Package Plant Rehabilitation in Guin 

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $249,750 grant for the City of Guin’s Sewer Package Plant Rehabilitation Project. Reliable sewer systems are essential for public health, economic growth, and community development, and this project will modernize Guin’s aging facility to prevent future failures and ensure dependable wastewater services.

The rehabilitation will include installing a temporary processing plant, removing and replacing outdated components, cleaning and repainting, and adding new pumps, blowers, air piping, diffusers, and control systems. ARC funds will specifically replace about 150 linear feet of liquid piping and 250 feet of hot air piping, improving reliability for two local businesses.

The City of Guin will contribute $249,750 in matching funds, bringing the total project cost to $499,500. The Appalachian Regional Commission’s funding comes from annual appropriations passed by Congress. ARC remains a strong partner in strengthening infrastructure across Alabama’s Fourth District, helping small towns like Guin grow and thrive.
 
50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee of Russellville Hospital 

I was honored to join community leaders and hospital staff in Russellville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee of the current Russellville Hospital building.

Since 1957, the hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Franklin County and Northwest Alabama, providing compassionate, high-quality care to generations of families.

I was proud to present a Congressional Record entry recognizing this milestone and the hospital’s leadership for their continued commitment to excellence and service.

I also noted that earlier this year, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen and protect rural hospitals like Russellville.

Congratulations to everyone at Russellville Hospital on fifty years in this facility and nearly seventy years of dedication to the community’s health and well-being!

Veterans Day and Vietnam Pins

First of all, let me wish all of our Veterans a Happy Veterans Day coming up on the 11th. Whether in war or peacetime, thank you for your service to our nation and the sacrifices you and your families have made. You have kept our nation safe and strong.

And, as I’m sure you remember, back in August we had two Vietnam pinning ceremonies for those who served during the Vietnam era, (1955-1975). If there are any Vietnam Veterans who live in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District who could not attend and would still like a pin, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/g/ZxATsNkbLv or call 256-546-0201. 

Service Academy Nominations Open 

It’s that time of year again where my office is now accepting applications for nominations to our nation’s prestigious service academies. These include: 

The U.S. Military Academy (West Point) 
The U.S. Naval Academy 
The U.S. Air Force Academy 
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 

While the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not accept a Congressional nomination, my office is happy to provide information and guidance for anyone interested in applying there as well. 

Serving our country as a commissioned officer is one of the highest honors, and attending a service academy is an incredible first step on that path. 
All nomination applications are due by December 1st. 
For more information — including eligibility requirements and how to apply — click here.

FDA Approval of Chemical Abortion Pill 

As Chairman of the House Values Action Team (VAT), I was joined by several members of VAT, to urge HHS to quickly expedite its thorough investigation into the harmful effects and adverse events associated with mifepristone, as already promised by Secretary Kennedy.  

The FDA’s approval of a new generic version of the abortion pill, mifepristone, endangers women’s health and disregards the value of life. Previously approved versions of this drug demonstrated dangerous side effects including life-threatening sepsis, infection and hemorrhaging.  

The FDA’s own fact sheet on mifepristone shows troubling rates of adverse events including hospitalization, blood transfusions, and even death following use of this dangerous drug. Even more troubling, a recent large-scale study shows significant under-reporting of these adverse events. We must protect women from the dangers and serious risks of chemical abortion. 

By approving another generic iteration of this pill while a safety review is ongoing, the FDA risks undermining women’s health and safety across the United States. The agency must stay true to its mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of drugs. As always, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and across the government to better protect the lives of women and the unborn from these dangerous drugs. 

Students from Mars Hill Bible School Tour U.S. Capitol 

I was glad to welcome a group of 8th grade students from Mars Hill Bible School in Florence to the U.S. Capitol. It was great showing these students around the Capitol, alongside Florence- native Representative Brett Guthrie, and answering their questions about Congress and how the government works. 

While the government is shut down, Capitol tours are paused until it reopens, unless led by a Member of Congress. It is always impressive to see young people with such insightful questions about how to become more civically engaged. 

Thanksgiving

Before my next newsletter we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Our nation has so much to be thankful for and I ask you to join me in thanking our Heavenly Father for the many gifts he has given us.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt